Pros
The company catagorizes it's agents as "Independent Contractors," or business owners. It is a good learning experience if you strive to be an entreprenuer. Each agency is responsible for hiring, training, and paying their staff (if approved by Home Office.) Highly recommend selling Allstate as an Independent Agent, not as an Exclusive Agent.
Cons
Allstate sets very high agent premium expectations, and if not met, they can terminate your contract. They classify their agents as Independent Contracts, but it only for their financial benefit. Agents can only sell Allstate Products, they own all the policies, if you decide to sell your agency-they have to approve it, they have you sign a 2 yr non-compete contract, they own your phone lines, and they can terminate your contract at anytime. They will hire just about anyone because they are not investing any money, if hired you have to invest your money and sign leases. If they terminate your contract, your still responsible for lease and due to the contract you can not open another agency for 2 years.